Luque

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Paraguay).

Ten kilometres east of Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, the city of Luque extends from the Ypacaraí Lake to the western bank of the Paraguay River. It is home to 264,000 inhabitants, making it the third most populated city in the country. Here, in the Gran Asunción metropolitan area where one in three Paraguayans lives, there is a real lack of social support for families in need so that they can ensure a better future for their children.

Since 1997, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Luque.

5%
Of children are engaged in child labour

Children treated unequally

In Paraguay, the youngest members of a family often have to contribute financially, and 5% of children between the ages of 10 and 14 are working – most of them in the services or the agriculture industries. Limited funding for law enforcement agencies and social programs hinders the government’s ability to fully address the worst forms of child labour, and this exposes children to threats such as health hazards, vulnerability to violence, sexual exploitation and psychological problems. But child labour also has severe effects on their lives in the long-term, interfering with education and jeopardizing their chances as adults.

16/1000
Children die before the age of one

Children are malnourished

In Paraguay, in 2020, the infant mortality rate, which is the probability of dying between birth and one year of age expressed per thousand live births, was 16 per thousand. This number reflects the social, economic and environmental conditions in which children and parents live, including their health care. From the end of the neonatal period through the first five years of life, the main causes of death are pneumonia, diarrhea, birth defects and malaria. Malnutrition is a contributing factor, making children more vulnerable to diseases. Accessing health care, especially postnatal care for mothers and babies, is crucial.

Your support makes a difference for children in Luque

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
4
Families
Can stay together
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Playing football with friends. SOS Children's Villages supports families in providing an environment for their children where they can develop and flourish (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Paraguay).

How your support helps in Luque

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Some children grow up in foster families that live in neighbourhoods in the city, alongside local families. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.